Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Expect clear skies and light southerly winds for the entire forecast period. An inversion is also meant to dominate the region with alpine temperatures sitting at about 1.0'.

No new natural avalanches reported today. In the neighboring Lizard range numerous deep releases were reported on facets that formed in October. The same snowpack structure exists in many parts of the South Rockies region. This combined with the current warming at upper elevations means that you can expect an increase in avalanche activity this weekend.

Strong SW winds have created stiff, yet reactive wind slabs on lee slopes. Cross-loading, and wind slabs are also found lower on the slopes and in unsuspecting terrain due to the strong push of the winds. Below 1700m a 4cm thick crust exists, I suspect it's from the rising freezing levels, and precipitation last Sunday. This crust is said to be supportive. Below this reports indicate the mid-pack to be fairly well settled. Deeper in the snowpack sits the mid-December surface hoar layer. This layer remains a concern for deeper releases. Basal facets and depth hoar also play a major role in this region. The big story for the weekend is warming at higher elevations due to an inversion. Cornices, and sun-exposed slopes will be a concern as will the possibility of stimulating deeper releases. In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m.